Faith & Justice

Jay Sekulow: Protect Montana War Memorial Under Attack by Atheist Group

It is an organization that is dedicated to removing any vestige of our religious history and heritage in this country. I’m talking about the Freedom From Religion Foundation (FFRF) – an atheist, anti-Christian group – that we have battled over the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Day of Prayer, and even the National Motto.

Now, the FFRF is targeting another historic display – this one in Montana – a statue of Jesus placed on Big Mountain at the Whitefish Mountain Resort nearly 60 years ago. The display was erected in the 1950’s by World War II veterans who were also members of the Knights of Columbus. These veterans were inspired by monuments they saw in the mountains of Europe during the war. They put this statue of Jesus in place atop Big Mountain to commemorate the service of local WWII veterans – a war memorial. The display represents a significant piece of the history and heritage of Montana.

Once again, the FFRF is taking its twisted view of the U.S. Constitution and putting pressure on the federal government to remove a time-honored display.

The fact is the Supreme Court has repeatedly upheld the constitutionality of war memorials and other symbols of our history and heritage. The display in Montana is constitutionally sound and is not a violation of the Establishment Clause. That is exactly why we’re standing up to the FFRF.

You can imagine the outrage in the local community where this is taking place. One veteran said removing the display would be “a slap in the face of the men and women who served their country and built this community.” Another local resident simply asked: “Why don’t they just leave us alone?”

Here’s where we stand now. The Forest Service initially rejected a renewal of a 10-year lease – a move that certainly set the stage for the removal of the display. As the issue gained attention, though, the Forest Service withdrew its denial – effectively, putting it on hold. Now, the Forest Service says it will take public comment about the display before making a final decision.

That’s why your voice is so important. Stand with us now. Sign on to our Letter of Support for the Statue of Jesus in Montana. We’ve successfully challenged the FFRF – the atheist, anti-Christian group – in the past. Now, it’s time to stand-up again.

As the Forest Service accepts public comment on this issue, there’s a brief window of opportunity to have your voice heard. Stand with the ACLJ and sign on to our letter now. Let the federal government know that this display is not only part of the history and heritage of Montana, but a constitutional war memorial. We are urging the Forest Service to renew the lease without delay.

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About Faith & Justice

A blog that examines the people and the cases behind the intersection of faith and public life. A look at the ever-growing challenges facing Christians and the action taken to protect religious freedom in America and abroad. Faith & Justice: Standing up for the rights of Christians - featuring leading constitutional attorney Jay Sekulow, Chief Counsel of the American Center for Law and Justice.